If you’re a typical natural who’s just been accepted to Peace Corps, one of the first things you probably thought was, “Lord, what am I gonna do with this hair?” Will my favorite products be available? Will I wear my hair out or protective style? Who will do my maintenance trims? Just thinking about it…
Category: Black in Peru
Thank You: From a Black Peace Corps Volunteer to a Black President
On October 11, 2008, I woke up in the middle of the night to stand outside and wait for the Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to speak. I had read all of his books, kept all the important newspaper clippings, obsessively watched CNN, and could tell you random facts like, “Did you know that Senator…
My Narrative as an Afro-Latina Peace Corps Volunteer
I don’t usually re-blog but this is a deep post from an Afro Latina sister who served in Nicaragua.
Thoughts On The 4th
Every Fourth of July Americans come together for backyard BBQs and go to watch the night time fireworks. If you’re in Philly, there are week long long city sponsored events that culminate in Party on the Parkway – a massive free Independence Day concert where you’re almost certain to see The Roots or Boyz II…
“And He Was Taken From Africa, Brought To America…”
Happy Juneteenth, ya’ll! Awe, don’t know what Juneteenth is – no te preocupes, I got you: Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States. It dates back to June 19, 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War had ended. Today many people…
El Ritmo Sabroso: A Guide to Afro Peruvian Instruments
All this talk about Afro Peruvian music and dance but I have yet to hit ya’ll with the instruments that make the music unique – And I would definitely be triflin’ in my blogging if I didn’t let ya’ll know about the instruments that are used to make Peruvian cultural goodness. So here’s a quick…
“When I Dance, I Feel”
Just having performed the night before, my friend’s host mom, and daughter of Don Amador Ballumbrosio, was discussing the importance of dance for Afro Peruvians. She said that the audience wasn’t important, that she wasn’t simply putting on a show, and that her dance was something higher than that. She said, “Cuando bailo, me siento.”…
Aquí Estamos: Black Peru
When discussing the African diaspora and the descendants of those who survived the middle passage, most people think of countries like the United States, West Indies, Cuba, or Colombia but very rarely does Peru come to mind. We often think of Peru as the land inhabited by the descendants of Andean people but what we neglect…
Negrita, Morenita, Sambita.
Are you Black/African American? Are looking to spice up your life with a new adventure? Wouldn’t you just love to be out and about – buying groceries, going to the bank, checking your mail – and be called more or less “little dark girl?” If so, I’ve got the solution for you! Come right on…
Why Don’t You Straighten Your Hair?
It was wash day and I was sitting at the table two-strand twisting my hair (protective styling is the way to go in the Peace Corps ladies) when my host cousin’s girlfriend asked, “I think your hair would better if you straightened it. How come you don’t straighten your hair?” Sigh. I have what a…
For Colored Folks Who Have Considered Peace Corps
I am a Black girl and I am serving in the US Peace Corps as a Youth Development Volunteer in Peru. I have always identified strongly with my blackness as my experiences with race have shaped my life greatly. As an undergrad, I chose to pursue a degree in African American Studies at Temple University because…
Day of the Creole Song
This past Friday at the training center, we celebrated the Día de la Canción Criolla which (if you haven’t figured it out already) translates to Day of the Creole Song. For a little history break down, this holiday was established in 1944 to honor music that has origins in colonial Afro-Peruvian culture. Over time cancion…
Siyah En Perú 